News
Bell 212 helicopter lost lift and control; crash not due to civilian obstruction
View(s):By Tharushi Weerasinghe and Dilushi Wijesinghe
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Bell 212 helicopter that made an emergency landing in the Gin Oya last Sunday did not crash due to obstruction by civilians; authorities confirmed this week, refuting widespread claims.
The helicopter was delivering flood relief when it encountered a mechanical fault and was forced to attempt an emergency landing in the water near the Lunuwila bridge at around 5:40 p.m. The aircraft had earlier taken off from the Katunayake Air Force Base.
SLAF Media Spokesman Group Captain Eranda Geeganage said the helicopter dropped from an estimated height of 75 to 100 feet before impact. 
“The allegations that the emergency landing occurred because people were surrounding the landing area are a misinterpretation by civilians,” he told the Sunday Times. “There was no plan to land there at all.”
Early inquiries have revealed that the rotor RPM (revolutions per minute)—which helps generate lift—had dropped to 60%, forcing the crew to try an emergency landing.
During preliminary questioning, the co-pilot informed SLAF Commander Air Vice Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe that the RPM had dropped, and they carried out the emergency landing in what they had deduced would be the safest and nearest location.
The exact cause of the RPM failure will be determined only after an investigation. While a timeline has not yet been specified, he confirmed that officials of the Bell helicopter manufacturer have agreed to participate in the inquiry.
A multidisciplinary eight-member committee, including pilots, engineers, administrative officers and a representative from the Ministry of Defence, has been appointed by the SLAF Commander to investigate the accident.
The pilot, then Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, later died from his injuries at the Marawila Base Hospital. He has since been posthumously promoted to the rank of Group Captain. Four others were wounded.
With the loss of one Bell 212, the SLAF now has only two operational aircraft available for future humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Lakmini (Top), widow of Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, together with her son, receives her husband’s ceremonial sword, medals, and other decorations before his body is lowered into the grave with full
Air Force honours. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
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